Red Sands Writers Circle

IN-PERSON EVENT @ HAVA JAVA

Welcome to our East Mesa Saturday afternoon meeting! Please bring paper copies of a draft/chapter you're working on. Consider the number of RSVPs to determine how many copies. Keep your draft under 2,000 words. We'll read the draft aloud and offer suggestions. First timers are always welcome. If you don't have writing to bring yet, that's okay too! Feel free to join us to read, hang out, and offer critiques.

FAQ:

What type of writing can be critiqued?

We read everything! Bring your novel, screenplay, non-fiction, poetry, short story, TikTok skit, or anything else.

My writing is ____ genre, is that okay?

Yes! Bring your sci-fi, mystery, western, literary, or whatever genre you're working on. We love them all!

Do I have to RSVP?

Please only RSVP if you have writing to share.. If you discover you can't attend, move yourself to "Not Going" as soon as you realize you won't be able to make it. If joining to read other work and share feedback, but not share a draft yourself, add a comment so we'll know to expect you.

I'm on the "Waitlist" what does that mean?

If you're on the waitlist, you're still welcome to join us, but we may not have time to read your draft.

I'm afraid someone will hate my writing, what should I do?

Don't be afraid! Rough drafts are always rough. Nobody will be perfect. We're here for support, which means pointing out the parts that are awesome and providing honest suggestions for improvement. You're welcome to ignore the suggestions or take them into consideration for the next draft. It's just feedback, and not all of our suggestions will be good. As the director of your project, you get to decide what's helpful and what isn't.

I'm not good at giving feedback to others, what should I do?

Oh, sure you are! If you've ever thought "Wow, that book was great, but I wish there was more of ___ and less of ____" then you know how to give feedback. You're welcome to provide as little or as much feedback as you're comfortable with. Easy stuff.

I want to attend but I don't have any writing to bring this time.

That's okay! You can still provide feedback. See you there!

Is the group on social media?

Oh yeah! Join us on all these fun platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters/

https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/

https://twitter.com/redsandswriters

https://redsands.org

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We are meeting at Jarrod's new fab location! 109 W University (formerly Haus 109) in the Mesa Historic District.

First time readers always welcome!!!

Test out your poetry, spoken word, flash fiction or monologue in front of a live audience! Every first and third Sunday of the month we host an open mic event at Jarrod's Coffee. This is a place of love, compassion, and respect. You are safe to speak your truth.

Whether you perform or support us in the audience, we'd love to see you there!

If participating, please leave a comment and/or find Margot when you get there. She's usually hanging out by the coffee or near the front.

Here is a general FAQ, but please feel free to add questions in the comments below or send the organizer a private message.

FAQ:

How many pieces can I read? What is the expected length?

There's no limit on length or quantity of works, but please keep your overall performance in the vicinity of 5 minutes so that everyone has time to participate. If there is leftover time at the end, you're welcome to return to the stage to share additional material.

My piece isn't exactly poetry or spoken word... is that okay?

Most short pieces are acceptable, but if you're worried it may not be appropriate for this venue please throw in a comment or send a private message to the organizer.

If I RSVP do I have to perform?

Nope! You're welcome to join us as an audience member as well. If performing, please leave a note in the comments and/or let the organizer know when you arrive so they can put you on the list of performers.

Can I perform published material?

The open mic is designed for sharing original material, whether published or unpublished. If you would like to perform something written by another author and you have their permission / it's a published work, that is also okay.

Does it cost $$ to participate?

No way! This is a totally free event. We only request that you buy a coffee or yummy snack while you're there to support Jarrod's.

I'd love to perform but my work still needs editing.

No worries! Only perform when you're ready. We also have workshop groups in poetry and prose that may help. Check out our "Events" to see what all we have coming up.

Can I follow Red Sands on social media?

Oh yeah! Find us on all these fun platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters

https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/

https://twitter.com/redsandswriters

https://redsands.org